Pendleton resident Charles Pickens was recently sentenced to 25 years in prison for a 2015 fatality that involved striking and killing a volunteer fireman with his vehicle and leaving the scene. The victim, Kenneth Stanton—a firefighter for the Sandy Springs community— was directing traffic in the aftermath of a previous collision at the time of the incident. Pickens swerved around emergency equipment left behind from the scene of the incident and subsequently hit Stanton, killing him, before hitting a fire truck and fleeing the scene.
Pickens was found later at his home, where he refused a breathalyzer test when prompted by officers. A warrant to test his blood eventually revealed that Pickens blood alcohol concentration was .254 percent—three times the legal limit.
Pickens was sentenced to 25 years, with 15 years of active service and five years of probation under charges of felony DUI with death and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Stanton’s family and members of the Sandy Springs fire department attended the plea hearing and remember him as a hero and valuable member of the community.
If you are facing felony DUI charges, you will absolutely need the counsel of qualified criminal defense lawyers. Don’t hesitate to contact the legal team at Truslow & Truslow for support in your case. Call our Columbia offices at (803) 256-6276.